State park tries crackdown on feeding animals

February 8, 2014

Written by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — Officials concerned about the growing population of cats roaming a western Ohio state park say they're trying to crack down on people illegally feeding animals or abandoning their pets there.

The Springfield News-Sun (http://bit.ly/1dwfYFw ) reports officials have stepped up patrols and posted signs warning visitors not to feed animals at Buck Creek State Park, about 40 miles west of Columbus.

The local humane society's director says food left out can attract animals that pose more danger, such as coyotes.

A park law enforcement official says cutting off the improper food supply will help persuade the animals to move on.

Springfield resident Doug Wamer, who often visits more than a dozen cats at the park, says he's not sure that's the best approach. He says he worries about the animals' welfare.